micropractice

Micropractice is a term used across disciplines to describe small-scale, independent professional practices that provide direct services to individuals or small groups. It emphasizes low overhead, personalized service, and rapid access, often leveraging digital tools to extend reach.

While used in social work, mental health, medicine, and law, there is no single standardized definition. The concept emerged from concerns about access barriers in fragmented systems, encouraging practitioners to operate outside large institutions.

Core features include solo or small-team operation, flexible scheduling, value-based or sliding-scale fees, emphasis on client-practitioner relationship, use of telehealth, asynchronous communication, and partnerships with community resources.

Benefits include improved access, affordability, and patient satisfaction; the model can foster innovation and professional autonomy. Challenges include financial viability, insurance and reimbursement complexities, regulatory compliance, risk management, and marketing.

Variations exist by field; some describe micro-practices as stepping-stones toward larger systemic reforms; others emphasize micro-level impact.